Power-transmission device.



J. R. KINNY.

POWER TRANSMISSION DEVICE.

AvFLlcATxon min Nov. 1H, :9mA

Putnntcd July 16,1918.

2 SHEES -SHEETI J. R. KINNEY.

POWER TRANSMISSION DEVICE.

APPLICATION FILD NDV. IB. IQIE.

g ma. 3 t E m. wm f w rm n wi. m, Uw .i ,.m mn www Im Q y F /f I Q TUSTUS R. KINNEY, 0F ALLSTON, MASSACHUSETTS.

POWER-TRANSMISSION DEVICE.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented J nl v 16, 1918.

Application led November 18, 1916. Serial No. 132,477.

To all whom it may concern.'

Be it known that I, JUs'rUs R. KINNEY, a citizen of the United States of America, and a resident of. Allston. in the county of Suffolk and Commonwealth of Massachuset-ts, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Power-Transmission Devices, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to power transmission devices, and particularly to a device of this class which is adapted for use on a inotor car to transmit motion gradually from the engine to the driving mechanism, and whereby varyingr speeds may be obtained through the medium of a confined body of Huid.

The invention consists in means for controlling the flow of the. Huid in its casing, for the purpose of varying the speed of the driven member during the rotary movement of the drivingmember, or to permit the free circulation of the fluid in the casing so that no power is transmitted from one member to the other.

The invention further consists in inter'- posing between the Huid casing and the usual transmission mechanism a two-part clutch, the movable meinoer of which is connected to the Huid controlling valve disposed in said casing, thereby imparting movement to' said valve whenever said movaole member is moved.

The invention consists further in certain novel features of construction and arrangement of parts which will be fully understood by reference to the description of the drawings and to the claims hereinafter given.

For the purpose of illustrating the invention one preferred form thereof is illustrated in the drawings, this form having been found ,to give satisfactory and 1'eliable"results. although it is to be understood that the various lnstrumentalities of which the invention consists can be variously arranged and organized, and that the mvention is not limited to the precise arrangementy and organization of these instrumentalities as herein shown and described.

0f the drawings:

Figure 1 represents a central longitudinal section of a device embodying the principles of the present invention.

Fig. 2 represents a vertical transverse section on line 2-2 on Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 represents a vertical transverse section on line 3%3 on Fig. l.

Fig. l represents a vertical transverse scction on line A on Fig. 1.

Fig. represents a sectional detail of the sliding valve mechanism on line 5-5 on Fig. 3, and

Fig. G represents a sectional detail ol the sliding valve on line G-t on Fig. 3.

Similar characters designate like parts throughout the several figures of the drawings.

In the drawings, 1U represents a casing member having secured to one end a cover plate 11 provided with an outwardly extending hub 12, having therein a bearing 11? for the end of a revoluble shaft. 14, to which is secured one part 15 of a clutch.

The part 15 is provided with a hub lt and on this hub 1G and the hub 12 is mounted a sleeve 17, said sleeve being keyed to the hub 12, as indicated at 18. The sleeve 1T is surrounded b v the hub 1S) of a movable part 20 of said clutch. said part 20 being keyed to the sleeve 1T at 21 so as to revolve there with, while at thc. same time it is adapted to `be moved longitudinally thereof to permit the two parts 15-20 of the clutch to he engaged and disengaged as desired.

The part 15 is provided with an annular flange 22. the inner face of which is inclined to correspond to and coact with the coneshaped flange 23 of the part 20. The h ub 19 1s also provided with an annular flange 24 having an annular groove therein.

Between the flange 24 and the cover plate l1 and surrounding the hub 19 is a helical spring 26 which is adapted to normally retain the cone-shaped flange 23 of the part 20 in contact with the tiange 22 ofthe part 15.` thereby locking the two parts together and preventing rotary movement of either independently of the other.

In the groove 25 is dis osed a ring 26X provided with diametrica outwardly extending trunnions 27 extending through slots 28 in the parallel arms 29 of a pivoted lever 30, the lower ends of which are secured at 31 to an oscillating shaft 32 disposed in any suitable bearin s.

The upper end o the lever 30 is provided with a treadle pad 33 by which the part 2() may be disengaged from the part 15 of the clutch when 1t is desired to permit rotary movement of one part relatively to the other.

The ring 26* is preferably made in two parts connected together at 34 as indicated in Figs. 1 and The lever 30 is also preferably made in two parts connected together at $5 as shown in said Figs. 1 and 2. The lever 86 extends upwardly through a slot 37 in the floor 38 of the car so that the treadla 33 is above said floor 38 in position to be actuated by the foot of the operator.

The hub 19 of the part 2t) is provided with a radial arm 39, the outer end of which is connected to the stem 40 of the `valve 4l positioned in a cylindrical depression 42 extending transversely of the casing 10.

The casing 10 has secured to its outer face a flange formed upon or secured to the driving or engine shaft 42 which is levolubly mounted in a bearing 43. The casing 10 is provided with a central projection 44 ou its inner face, said projection being surrounded by a cylindrical flange 45 formed upon the inner end of the driven shaft 14, all as shown in Fig. 1.

The casing 10 is provided with a central cylindrical chamber 46 in which is disposed an annular piston member 4T surrouiuling an eccentric 48 keyed to the flange 45 ot' the driven shaft 14.

Set into the casing 10 is a cup-shaped lnember 49 forming another cylindrical chamber 50 in which is disposed another annular piston member 51 surrounding another eccentric 52 also keyed to the flange 45 of the driven shaft 14. The eccentrics 48 and 52 are disposed diametrically opposite each other.

While only two chambers 46 and 50 are shown in the drawings, it is obvious a greater number may be used in which case the eccentrics therein should be equally spaced about the axis of the shaft 14:

Each piston member 47 and 51 is provided with a radial blade 53 each extending through a diamctral slot in a cylindrlcal oscillating member 54. These slotted oscillating members 54 are disposed in ahnement in the cylindrical depression 55 formed in the casing 10. The depression 55 communicates with the cylindrical chambers 46 and 50 and also communicates by two passages 56 with the depression 42.

This depression 42 also communicates with the chambers 46 and 50 and with one end of a connecting passage 57 partially surrounding the cylindrical chambers 46 and 50.

The opposite end of said connecting passage is closed by the wall or abutment 58. The piston blades 53 are each provided with fluid passages 59 extending from the outer ends thereof, the inner ends of said passages communicating with the cylindrical chambers 46 and 50.

In the depression 42 is the cup-shaped valve 41, one end of which is provided with the stem 40 extending through a stufiing box 6U. The end of the valve 41 nearest said stem 40 is yprovided with a plurality ot' openings 6l through which the fluid is adapted to pass as the valve is reciprm'ated in the depression 42.

The depression 42 is provided with a cylindricallining 62 prevented from rotating by the key 63. This lining is provided with three sets of ports 64, 65, and 66.

The ports 64 communicate with the passages 56, the ports 65 with the cylindrical chambers 46 and 56, while the ports 66 coinmunicate with the end of the connecting passage 57. The tubular portion of the valve .41 is also provided with three sets of ports 67, 68, and 69, coacting respectively with the ports 64, 65, and 66.

The ports 69 are arranged to bc always in communication with the ports 66 regardless of the position of the valve 41.

The ports 68 are also arranged to be in communication at all times with the ports 65 although in the movement of the valve 4l these ports 65 and 66 may be partially closed.

I In order to balance the casing lO, chambers 7() are formed therein diainetrically opposite the depressions v42---55, and these chambers are filled with material of suilicient weight to balance the Weight of the parts opposite thereto.

The rotation of the casing 10 is in the direction of the arrow a on Fig. 3 of the drawings.

The normal working position of the valve 41 is that shown in Figs. 5 and 6, with the ports 64 closed, and when in this position all circulation of fluid in the chambers 46 and 50 is prevented, thereby causing `the driven shaft 14 to be rotated at the same or substantially the same speed as the engine shaft and in the same direction therewith.

When it is desired to start the car, the operator depress-es the treadle 33, thus disengaging the clutch parts 15 and 20 and moving simultaneously the sliding valve 41 so that the ports 64 are fully opened. The fluid will then be free to circulate from the chambers 46-50 through the passages 59 and 56 and recess 42 and also through the connecting passage 57, and no movement will be imparted to the driven shaft 14 by the driving or engine shaft 4Q* when the en ine has been started.

f the operator gradually permits the treadle lever to return to its normal position, the circulation of the fluid in the casingwill be gradually retarded and consequently the speed of the driven shaft will be increased proportionately until by the action of the spring 26 the slidingpart 20 has been moved into gripping contact with the other part 15 thereof and the clutch members securely locked together. While the fluid clutch is fully described in the present application, it is not specifically claimed in this case, but is claimed in another application subsequently filed April :26, 1917, and bearing Serial No. 165,271.

It is obvious that at any one time while the engine is running the speed of the driven member may be changed at will by simply actuating the treadle 33 and partially closing the ports (il. thus gradually building up a pressure in the chambers 46 and 50.

When the casing 1() is moved in the. direction indicated by the arrow a on Fig. 3 of the drawings, the oil in the connecting passage 5i' will be forced in the opposite direction. and through the ports (i6-tit) and ports 65-t8 into the chambers iti-50, thus keeping these chambers completely filled with fiuid at all times and under all conditions.

When the ports (i4-(S7 are open the tluid is permitted to freely pass from the chambers -it 50 through the passages 5S) into the valve 11. from which said fiuid may pass into the chambers iFP-5U through the portsfu'i-GS or into the connecting passage 5T through the ports titi-(i9.

When the device is in operation. the discharge ports (i4- G7 are closed and the foot is ott the treadle. .\t this time there is a clear passage through the valve 41 from the passage 57 to the chambers iti- 50.

When it is desired to stop a car to which said device is attached, the treadle 33 is depressed,lthereby opening the discharge ports (S4-o7 and permitting the pressure in the chambers 4G-50 to be released. iVhile tinJ ports (i4-67 are being opened` the ports 65 G8 are being partially closed. thus gradually shutting off the supply of oil to the Cllnllbfl's 4G-50. und thus permitting the Huid clutch to idle more easily.

At the beginning of the inward movement of the valve 41 the clutch member Qfiis removed from contact with the member Q2. and these two members are free from contact when the ports (i4- G7 begin to open.

By means of this device any required speed may be attained and the speed varied at will or all power disconnected from the driven shaft.

This makes a very effective power transmission device particularly applicable for use on motor cars.

It is believed that the operation Vand many advantages of this invention will be fully understood from the foregoing description.

Having thus described my invention. l claim:

1. 1n a device of the class described` the combination of a two-part clutch. one part of which is adapted for end movement: means for normally retaining said clutch parts in engagement; a driven shaft supporting said two-part clutch; a member under the control of the operator for disengaging said clutch parts; a fluid clutch: a valve for controlling the operation thereof positively connected to the clutch member adapted for cud movement and meansl actuated by the movement of said member and movable relatively to said driven shaft for controlling` the action of said valve and opening the ports thereof when said clutch parts are disengaged.

2. In a device ot' the class described. the combination' of a driving shaft: a Huid clutch one part of which is secured to said driving shaft and is provided with a controlling valve having a plurality of ports` for the passage of fluid: a driven shaft alined with said driving shaft and supportingr the other part of said tiuid clutch: a clutch member independent of said lluid clutch secured to said driven shaft: a sccond clutch member movable relatively to said tirst mentioned clutch member and keyed to a hub projecting from said tluid clutch; means for normally retaining `said clutch members in engagement: and means for siniultaneously disengaging said clutch members and positively moving said valve whereby its ports may be opened.

3. In a device of the class described. the combination of a driving shaft: a tiuid clutch one part of which is secured to said driving shaft and is provided with a controlling valve having a plurality of ports for the passage of fluid: a driven shaft alined with said driving shaft and supporting the other part of said tluid clutch: a clutch member independent of said fiuid clutch secured to said driven shaft; a seeond clutch member movable relatively to -`said first mentioned clutch member and keyed to a lmb projecting from said Huid clutch; means for normally retaining said clutch members in engagement: and treadle mechanism for simultaneously disengaging said clutch members and said valve whereby its ports may be opened. y

4. In a device of the class described. the combination of a driving shaft; a fluid clutch one part of which is secured to said driving shaft. and is provided with a controlling valve having a plu ality of ports for the passage of fluid; a driven shaft alined with said driving shaft and supporting the other part of said fluid clutch; a clutch member independent of said fluid clutch secured to said driven shaft: a seeond clutch melnber movable relatively to said first mentioned clutch member and rev-- oluble with the casing of said tiuid clutch: a spring for normally retaining said clutch members in engagement: and means for simultaneously disengaging said clutch members and positively moving said valve to open its ports.

l) ll llO 5. In a device of the class described, the combination of a driving `shaft; a Huid clutch one part of which is secured to said driving shaft and is provided with a hub in axial alinement with said drivimgr shaft: a controlling valve therefor slidably mounted therein and provided with ports for the passage of fluid; a driven shaft alined with said driving shaft and supporting the other part of said fluid clutch: a clutch member secured to said driven shaft at a point removed from said fluid clutch; a second clutch member movable relatively to said first mentioned clutch member and slidably mounted on said hub; means for normally retaining said clutch members in engagement; and means for simultaneously disengaging said clutch members and imparting a sliding movement to said valve thereby opening its ports.

In a device of the class described. the combination of a driving shaft: a fluid clutch one part of which is secured to said driving shaft; a controlling` valve therefor slidably mounted therein and provided with ports for the passage of fluid: a driven sha ft alined with said driving shaft and supportiup, the other part of said fluid clutch: a clutch member secured to said driven shaft at a point removed from said fluid clutch; a second clutch member movable relatively to said first mentioned clutch member; a spring bearing against the ouier wall of said fluid clutch for normally retaining said clutch members in engagement; and means for simultaneously disengaging said clutch members and impartinga sliding movement to said valve to open its ports.

T. ln a device of the class described, the combination of a driving shaft; a fluid clutch one part of which is secured to said driving r shaft; a controllingvalve therefor slidably mounted therein and provided with ports forthe passage of fluid; a driven shaft alined with said driving shaft and supporting the other part of' said fluid clutch; a clutch member secured to said driven shaft; a second clutch member movable relatively7 to said first mentioned clutch member and provided with a radial arm; means for normally retaining said clutch members in engagement; a connector between said arm and valve, and means for simultaneously disengaging said clutch members and imparting a sliding movement to said valve.

8. In a device of the class described, the combination of" a drivinr shaft; a fluid clutch one part of which 1s secured to said driving shaft; a controlling valve therefor slidablv mounted therein and provided with ports for the passage of fluid; a. driven shaft alined with said drivingr shaft and supporting the other part of said fluid clutch; a clutch member secured to said driven shaft; a second clutch member mov- `clutch one part of which is secured to said driving shaft; a controlling valve therefor slidably mounted therein and provided with ports for the passage of fluid; a driven shaft aiined with said driving shaft and sup orting the other part of said fluid clutc a clutch member secured to said driven shaft; a second clutch member movable relatively to Isaid first mentioned clutch member, said movable member heilig provided with an annular groove and a radial arm; means for normally retaining 'said clutch members in engagement; a connector between Said arm and valve; a pivoted treadle; and a ring in Isaid groove provided with projections engaging said treadle.

lU. ln a device of the class described, the combination of' a fluid clutch the casing for which is revolublo and provided with an axial tubular hub; a driven shaft rotatably mounted in said hub; a friction clutch member keyed to said shaft at the outer end of said hub; a coactintj friction clutch member slidably mounted 0n the periphery of said hub; aspring for retaining said friction clutchmembers in engagement; a member for disengaging 'said clutch members; and means connected to and operable by said slidable clutch member for controlling the operation of said fluid clutch.

11. ln a device of the class described; the combimition of a fluid clutch the casing for which is revolubleI and provided with an axial tubular hub; a driven Shaft rotatably mounted in said hub, and having an enlarged portion within said fluid clutch cas ing to prevent end movement of said shaft; a friction clutch member keyed to said shaft at the outer end of said hub; a coacting friction clutch member slidably mounted on the periphery of said hub; a spring for retaining.r said friction clutch members in engagement; a member for disengagng said clutch members; and means connected to and operable by said slidablc clutch member for controllingr the operation of Said fluid clutch.

12. ln a device of the class described, the combination of a fluid clutch the Casin for which is revoiuble and provided Wit an axial tubular hub having an annular sleeve project-ing from the end thereof; a driven shaft rotatably mounted in said hub; a friction clutch member keyed to said shaft and having nn annular portion rotatably mounted in said projecting,r sleeve; :1 coacting friction clutch member slidubly mounted on the periphery of Suid hub; a spring for retailiing said friction clutch members` in engagement; n member for disenguging said clutch members; and means connected to and opernbl(` by said slidnble clutch member for controlling the operation of said fluid clutch* 13. In n device of the class described the combination of a fluid clutch, the casing of which is revoluble and provided with an uxial hub; a driven shaft within said hub; :1n eccentric thereon eccentrically disposed in a cylindrical chamber in suid casing; u controlling valve for said fluid clutch; n friction clutch member on said shaft; a coacting friction clutch member slidably mounted on said hub; and means interposed between said fluid clutch and said frlction clutch member for simultaneously operating said slidin clutch member and said controllin va ve.

14. An a device of the class described the combination of a revoluble fluid clutch; a. shaft on which one iPart of said clutch is adapted to rotate; a riction clutch member secured to and revoluble with said shaft; a. slidable friction clutch member coactn with the first mentioned friction clutc member; a controlling valve for said fluid clutch; and means interposed between said fluid clutch and said friction clutch for simultuneously actuating said valve and said slidnble. clutch member Signed by me at 4 Post Olioe Sq., Boston, Mass.2 this 9th day of November, 1916.

J USTUS R. KIN NEY. lVitnesses:

WALTER E. LOMBARD, NATHAN C. LOMBARD. 

